Seattle Wa - Ballard locks and fish ladder

Although we went late in the season, there were still several salmon in the ladder. The locks themselves were interesting to watch and the engineer in me was pleased that the tour touched on more of the physics than I expected. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Seattle area and it's not hard to see why.

Lots more info in the wikipedia article.


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Deloach Vineyard, Sonoma County

This was the wine country experience that we were looking for. A small, elegant, yet not at all pretentious wine store attached to a functioning vineyard. No big fountain in the driveway. No band, no harps, just wine. I dont remember them selling savories or even having background music.

There was a strange German couple who I must assume was teleported out of some uber-wealthy dinner party in the early 80s. Although we spoke to them little, I assumed their dedication to candy red leather and matching sun glasses was the same sort of dedication that lets you find the perfect glass of pinot in the noise of wine country, and for that I had to respect and appreciate them.

We walked out with a case, and my only regret is we only got one. Luckily, they ship to NYC.

Buena Vista Winery - Sonoma County, CA

Lovely and relaxing vineyard in Sonoma. Great picnic tables that make you want to camp out and spend the whole day -- the only rub: the wine just isnt that great.

There is a lot of history here and since its the first vineyard in Sonoma, its pretty neat as a tourist attraction (even though they dont actually make the wine or grow the grapes here).